Google maps has revolutionized the way that we view the world, whether it’s finding the nearest gas station or planning a move across the country google has your back. But now they’ve gone a step further and become your own personal collective of meteorologists. Google is offering personalized storm trackers to keep its users better informed about the status of major storm systems. Inaccuracies are rampant in weather reporting, but Google could provide the most accurate forecast models that the world has ever seen, keeping untold numbers safe from potentially life threatening storms.
WHAT MAKES GOOGLE STORM TRACKERS ANY DIFFERENT?
Google has knack for taking things that already exist and making them way better. This idea was formed in the wake of the tragic hurricane Katrina in New Orleans where the devastation can still be felt to this day. The difference between Google’s storm trackers, and normal meteorologists is that Google has far more resources at its disposal with which it can track storms. According to Google’s blog the idea came to fruition with the help of Google’s extensive network of resources, “After rescue efforts began in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, some Googlers wondered how they could connect people with useful information and resources related to the storm.
HOW WILL GOOGLE COORDINATE SUCH A MASSIVELY NETWORKED SYSTEM?
With the help of many third-party organizations, small groups of our employees worked to display satellite imagery of affected areas in Google Earth and helped build searchable databases so people could check on the safety of friends and loved ones.” The idea was born out of necessity to help those who were displaced by the storm, but developed into methods of tracking and preventing damage caused by serious storms.
GOOGLE’S STORM TRACKER IS A SERIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO THE AVERAGE METEOROLOGIST
Some features Google will offer with its storm tracking include a map showing your location in relation to the location of the storm, a breakdown of the storm including arrival time, forecast, and severity, and detailed instructions on the best way to remain safe in storm conditions. The entire system is personalized based on your exact location instead of describing the conditions for a general area.
GOOGLE IS IN THE BUSINESS OF CHANGING THE WORLD
Google is known for their ambitious projects, and their ability to affect change on a global scale. Whether it’s their self-driving cars, mapping the ocean floor to monitor pollution levels in the ocean, or their work with artificial intelligence, they have a long history of making a difference. This project could be the difference between life and death for individuals facing a crises level storm.
